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Rockex Mining Corporation Management Reports 2023

Apr 13, 2023

44673_rns_2023-04-13_aea35625-37fa-41ac-affb-2c4a9544696f.pdf

Management Reports

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ROCKEX MINING CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS of FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the year ended December 31, 2022

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis –(“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements of Rockex Mining Corporation (“Rockex” or the “Corporation”) for the year ended December 31, 2022 and related notes thereto which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). This MD&A contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to risk factors set out in a cautionary note contained herein. All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. This MD&A has been prepared as of April 11, 2023.

Table of Contents

  1. Date .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 2. General .................................................................................................................................................................... 3 3. Nature of the Corporation’s Business .................................................................................................................. 3 4. Recent Events and Outlook .................................................................................................................................. 3 5. Outlook and Strategy ............................................................................................................................................. 7 6. Mineral Properties ................................................................................................................................................ 12 7. Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 ................................................... 14 8. Summary of Financial Position as at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 .................................. 15 9. Summary of Cash Flow for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 .............................................. 16 10. Summary of Quarterly Results ......................................................................................................................... 17 11. Explanation of Material Variations by Quarter for the Last Eight Quarters ................................................ 17 12. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements .................................................................................................................... 18 13. Transactions with Related Parties ................................................................................................................... 18 14. Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments ............................................................................... 19 15. Financial Instruments ......................................................................................................................................... 20 16. Share Data .......................................................................................................................................................... 20 18. Corporate Governance ...................................................................................................................................... 25 19. Caution regarding Forward-looking Statements ............................................................................................ 25 20. Approval ............................................................................................................................................................... 26 21. Additional Information ........................................................................................................................................ 26

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

ROCKEX MINING CORPORATION

Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2022

1. Date

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of Rockex Mining Corporation (“Rockex” or the “Company” or the “Corporation”) covers the year ended December 31, 2022 and was prepared as of April 11, 2023.

2. General

This MD&A provides analysis of the Corporation’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2022 and should be read in conjunction with all recent press releases and the Corporation’s audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the Corporation’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation constitutes management’s review of the factors that affected the Corporation’s financial and operating performance for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed herein are denominated in Canadian dollars and all financial information (as derived from the Corporation’s financial statements) has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), including comparative figures.

Management is responsible for the preparation of the audited financial statements and other financial information relating to the Corporation included in this MD&A. The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Board of Directors has appointed an Audit Committee composed of three directors, a majority of whom are independent and not members of management. The Audit Committee meets with management and, if advisable, with the auditors in order to discuss results of operations and the financial condition of the Corporation prior to making recommendations and submitting the financial statements to the Board of Directors for its consideration and approval for communication to shareholders. On the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors has approved the Corporation’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements. For example, statements about the adequacy of the Corporation’s cash resources or the need for future financing are forward-looking statements. All forwardlooking statements are made subject to the cautionary language at the end of this MD&A and readers are directed to refer to that cautionary language when reading any forward-looking statements.

3. Nature of the Corporation’s Business

Rockex is a mineral exploration company focused on the exploration and development of the iron potential of its 100%-owned exploration properties in Northwestern Ontario around the Lake St. Joseph area about 300 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Corporation also has lithium potential at its Root Lake property in the same area.

4. Recent Events and Outlook

Rockex is focussed on its iron exploration projects in Northwestern Ontario and is continuing to seek strategic options and alternatives to advance those projects, possibly through a joint-venture partner with a view to derive benefit from discoveries and progress on its current property holdings. Another possible alternative would to acquire another property or significant asset if financing can be arranged to support activities on such a new property or asset where such opportunity could facilitate future financings and

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

advance the Company. There is also the possibility of a business combination with another mineral exploration company or other entity.

Current global financial conditions have been characterized by increased volatility. In many respects, these continue to be challenging times for mining juniors and the resource markets overall. In addition, the recent Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in major changes in health-care, travel, retail, entertainment, manufacturing and other sectors of the economies around the world, resulting in, among other things, reductions in the lending rates by central banks around the world and significant talk about the increased likelihood of a recession or even a possible depression have added to the mix. This led to substantial stock market reductions and extreme market volatilities and uncertainties, although many of those reductions have recovered. Most recently, the Russian war against the Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions by many nations against Russia have greatly increased uncertainties and market volatilities. Further volatility in the lending rates by central banks around the world and significant talk about the likelihood of more increases in central bank lending rates and a recession or even a possible depression have added to the mix. On the other hand, these market fluctuations were accompanied by an increase in the prices of iron ore and other metals. The implications of these recent events relating to the broader market and economy are unclear at the time of this MD&A. In the circumstances, the markets have remained volatile and uncertain and these factors impact the ability of the Corporation to obtain equity or debt financing in the future on favourable terms.

Preliminary Economic Assessment for Hot Briquetted Iron (2015)

On October 14, 2015, Rockex announced that it had received the results of an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (the “PEA”) prepared by CIMA+ (“CIMA+”) for the production of 4.3 million tonnes per year of hot briquetted iron (“HBI”) from the Company’s 100% owned Lake St. Joseph Project (“Lake St. Joseph”) in Northwestern Ontario. The PEA was filed on SEDAR on October 26, 2015. Highlights of the PEA include:

  • $ 9.42 Billion Net Present Value (pre-tax) using a 6% discount rate

  • $ 6.85 Billion Net Present Value (post-tax) using a 6% discount rate

  • $ 6.58 Billion Net Present Value (pre-tax) using an 8% discount rate

  • $ 4.67 Billion Net Present Value (post-tax) using an 8% discount rate

  • 22.5% Internal Rate of Return (pre-tax)

  • 19.5% Internal Rate of Return (post-tax)

  • 3.7 year undiscounted payback (pre-tax)

  • 4.1 year undiscounted payback (post-tax)

  • Initial Investment of $3.772 billion (not including sustaining capital)

  • Total cost of production estimated at $135.35/tonne of HBI

• Resource Estimate of an Indicated Mineral Resource of 1.287 billion tonnes at 28.39% Fe, plus an Inferred Mineral Resource of 108 million tonnes at 31.03% Fe.

  • Life of Mine Production of 4.3 million tonnes of HBI per year for 30 years, with an expected metallization of 94% Fe.

  • Low strip ratio of 0.51 to 1

*** Unless otherwise expressly stated all references to currency, are references to Canadian currency.**

  • The PEA uses a currency exchange rate of US$0.85 = Cdn$1.00.

The PEA is based on the production of 4.3 million tonnes of HBI per year at a grade of 94% total iron (“Fe”) at the Rockex Lake St. Joseph Project in northwestern Ontario. The average run of mine feed of 17.3 million tonnes per year used is based on mill recovery of 80% from the Eagle Island deposit operating year-round. The life of mine of 30 years is based on 512 million tonnes of in-pit resources at a grade of 28.9% Fe which uses less than half of Eagle Island’s estimated Indicated Resources of 1.287 billion tonnes at a grade of 28.39% Fe, allowing the opportunity for continuing production for many years following the 30-year life of mine used for the PEA. The PEA contemplates a process whereby iron ore concentrate will be transferred by pipeline to a pelletizing plant and HBI plant to be built near Sioux Lookout, Ontario. The plant is expected to produce 4.3 million tonnes per year of HBI. Initial capital expenditures are estimated to be $3.772 billion.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

The PEA uses an average operating cost of $135.35 per tonne of HBI, and assumes an HBI sales price of US$ 350 per tonne FOB Sioux Lookout. Calculated Net Present Value for the Lake St. Joseph Project is $9.42 billion (pre-tax) using a 6% discount rate and $6.58 billion (pre-tax) using an 8% discount rate. The PEA is based on the 2013 independent mineral resource estimate completed by Met-Chem Canada Inc. (“Met-Chem”) which defined 1.287 billion tonnes of Indicated Resources at a grade of 28.39% Fe and 108 million tonnes of Inferred Resources at a grade of 31.03% Fe. The resource is summarized in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Summary of Mineral Resource Estimate (2013)

Mineral Resource Category Metric Tonnes(Millions) Fe(%)
Indicated 1,287 28.39
Inferred 108 31.03

The PEA includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized.

The Mineral Resource estimates discussed herein may be affected by subsequent assessments of mining, environmental, processing, permitting, taxation, socio-economic, legal, political and other factors. There is insufficient information available to assess the extent to which the potential development of the Mineral Resources described herein may be affected by these risk factors.

The Mineral Resources are reported in accordance with Canadian Securities Administrators (“CSA”) NI 43101 and have been classified in accordance with standards as defined by the "Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves”. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

The updated PEA (2015) is based on the same basic mining method and processing flow sheet utilized in the original (2013) PEA; however, the updated PEA evaluates the economic impact of further processing the mine’s production to HBI as an end product in place of pellet feed concentrate.

The updated PEA (2015) is based on the transformation of iron ore concentrate into HBI as an end product to supply the North American electric arc furnace industry and grey foundry industry. HBI is considered to be a cleaner, higher quality, finished iron product for the steel industry. HBI is an ideal, high quality alternative to scrap steel, which is a vital component in the steel manufacturing process. The HBI process requires access to an abundant and low cost source of natural gas. Rockex’ proximity to the TransCanada Natural Gas Pipeline and year-round transportation infrastructure positions the company well for the manufacturing of HBI to supply the North American market in the United States immediately south of the Great Lakes and in Canada.

Exploration Activities

In October 2011, a drilling program started at the Eagle Island Deposit with a view to upgrading the classification of various parts from Inferred Resources to Measured and Indicated Resources and adding to the estimated size of the deposit. The program was designed to test the anomalies identified in the Corporation’s recent airborne survey, and the mineralized zone at Eagle Island at depths below 300 metres, as well as the mineralized zone at Fish Island. A drill arrived on site in early October with a second drill having arrived later in the same month. On November 30, 2011, the Corporation announced the first set of assay results from its drill program in its Western Lake St. Joseph Project. Drill hole EI-106 intersected 524.3 metres of mineralization with an average grade of 29.93% total iron. The intercept extended known mineralization at Eagle Island to an estimated vertical depth of 564 metres, nearly 200 metres below the deposits outlined resources. The true width of the mineralized zone at depth was estimated to be 495 metres.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

On February 2, 2012, the Corporation announced additional results of its drill program at its Western Lake St. Joseph Project. Drill hole EI-110 in the Southwest Extension at Fish Island (3 km west of the Main Zone at Eagle Island) intersected 470.6 metres (248 metres estimated true width) with an average grade of 29.2% total iron, including 132 metres (69 metres estimated true width) grading 37.02% total iron and 234.5 metres (130 metres estimated true width) grading 33.82% total iron. The first drill hole by Rockex in the Southwestern Extension at Fish Island indicated that the iron mineralization reaches a vertical depth of 390 metres. Historical records prepared by Pierre Mauffette in 1956-57 and by A.E. Boerner in 1957 and by Hanna Mining and Algoma Steel in 1975 show the Fish Island Deposit was tested only to a depth of 180 metres and was estimated to hold 258 million tons with a grade of 33% soluble iron. (This historical estimate pre-dated NI 43-101 and, accordingly, is not compliant with the requirements of NI 43-101. No qualified person has done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or reserves. As a result, the historical estimate cannot be relied upon. Rockex is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.) The Company also announced three additional holes in the Southeast Extension at Eagle Island, the best of which was 337 metres of 27.7% total iron (262 metres estimated true width).

On April 17, 2012, the Corporation announced new assay results from seven drill holes completed in its drill program at its Western Lake St. Joseph Project. Drill hole EI-112 tested the Southwest Extension at Fish Island and intercepted 33.43% total iron over 375 metres (estimated true width: 251 metres). This mineralization included two well-defined horizons that intercepted respectively 35.85% total iron over 204 metres (estimated true width: 131 m) and 33.32% total iron over 153 metres (estimated true width: 106 m). This second drill hole by Rockex in the Southwest Extension was drilled facing the previously-reported EI110 diamond-drill hole and the grades reported are comparable to the ones reported in the February 2012 announcement described above.

From east to west, drill holes EI-115, EI-111, EI-117, EI-113 and EI-114 targeted the southern portion of the Main Zone over a strike length of 850 metres. Drill hole EI-115 intersected the Main Zone between 338 and 752 metres for an average grade of 22.24 % total iron over 441 metres (estimated true width: 381 m). That intersection ends 180 metres below the currently defined resources. The top portion of the hole was collared on the southern side of the bay which hosts a north-dipping iron formation; assays of 21.74 % total iron over 51.3 metres are to be considered down-dip values. Drill holes EI-111 and EI-117 are on the same section. The deeper drill hole EI-111 returned 23.99% total iron over 402 metres (estimated true width: 312 m). A first iron formation assayed 27.27 % total iron over 195 metres (estimated true width: 142 m). A second higher grade iron formation reported 30.00 % total iron over 120 metres (estimated true width: 100 m). The deepest intersection on holes EI-111 tested the iron formation 185 metres below the current resources. Drill hole EI-117, located 150 metres above EI-111 returned 25.40 % total iron over 330 metres (estimated true width: 266 m). Drill hole EI-113 intersected 210 metres (estimated true width: 185 m) of iron grading 24.56 % total iron, 100 metres below currently defined resources, whereas diamond drill hole EI-114 intersected two distinct iron formations grading, respectively, 26.72% over 189 metres (estimated true width: 153 m) and 26.42 % total iron over 24 metres (estimated true width: 21 m) on the western side of the Main Zone. The larger intersection met the iron formation 78 metres below existing resources whereas the smaller formation was never encountered in historical drilling work.

On the southeastern part of Eagle Island, the iron formation extends to form the north and south limbs of a fold. Diamond drill hole EI-116 reported in the April 17, 2012 news release was designed to intercept known iron mineralization on the Southeast Zone’s south limb as well as to test the magnetic anomaly highlighted in the airborne magnetometric survey undertaken in the summer of 2011 that is sitting in the channel between Eagle Island and the mainland. The first intersection returned 27.55 % total iron over 66 metres (estimated true width: 55 metres) for the Southeast Zone. The magnetometric anomaly was successfully encountered at depth and returned values of 19.53 % total iron over 87 metres (estimated true width: 87 m).

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Stock Exchange Listing

On December 6, 2013, the Company’s shares began trading on the CNSX. In early 2014, the CNSX changed its name to the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”). The common shares of the Corporation trade under the symbol “ RXM ”.

Completed Financings

Year ended December 31, 2021

On June 2, 2021, the Corporation completed a private placement. The Private Placement was comprised of the issuance of (i) 9,449,289 common shares of the Corporation (each a “Common Share”) at $0.045 per Common Share for an aggregate gross amount of $425,218; and (ii) 1,370,000 flow-through shares (each, a “Flow-Through Share”) at a price of $0.05 per Flow-Through Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $68,500.

Proposed transactions - Root Lake Exclusivity Agreement

On December 2, 2022, the Corporation announce that it has signed an exclusivity agreement with Fifty St George Pty Ltd. (“FSG”) granting FSG the exclusive option to acquire a 90% interest in the Root Lake mineral exploration claims in northwestern Ontario. The Root Lake property is comprised of 94 contiguous cell claims (1,927 hectares) approximately 100 kilometers north of Sioux Lookout near the west end of Lake St. Joseph, a prospective lithium project. The Corporation has received an exclusivity fee of $125,000 for granting FSG the exclusive right for a period of six months (the “Exclusivity Period”) to complete its technical and legal due diligence investigations and to finalize the binding terms and conditions of an option agreement (the “Option Agreement”). For the duration of the Exclusivity Period, Rockex has agreed to deal exclusively with FSG and to cooperate with FSG in connection with its due diligence investigations. The terms of the Option Agreement are contemplated to include Rockex receiving (i) a cash payment of $550,000, (ii) shares of FSG having an aggregate value of $575,000 and (iii) a 2% net smelter royalty. Rockex will retain a 10% carried interest in the Root Lake property until a final investment decision

5. Outlook and Strategy

The Company’s strategy is to move forward with various studies, exploration activities and other initiatives to advance its various iron projects in the Lake St. Joseph and North Spirit Lake areas of Northwestern Ontario, subject to the availability of financing.

The Company has implemented various cost reduction initiatives over the past years.

Preliminary Economic Assessment for Pellet Feed Concentrate (2013)

On August 27, 2013, Rockex announced the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (“2013 PEA”) prepared by Met-Chem Canada Inc. (“Met-Chem”) for the production of pellet feed concentrate from the Corporation’s 100% owned Eagle Island Project (“Eagle Island”) in Northwestern Ontario. The 2013 PEA was filed on SEDAR on October 11, 2013.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Preliminary Economic Assessment for Hot Briquetted Iron (2015)

Based on the trade-off study of producing three different products: fines, pellets and hot briquetted iron (“HBI”) contained within the 2013 PEA, Rockex initiated a focused study of HBI to investigate the feasibility. On October 14, 2015, Rockex announced that it had received the results of an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (the “PEA”) prepared by CIMA+ (“CIMA+”) for the production of HBI from the Company’s 100% owned Lake St. Joseph Project (“Lake St. Joseph”) in Northwestern Ontario. The PEA was filed on SEDAR on October 26, 2015.

Highlights of the PEA Include:

  • $ 9.42 Billion Net Present Value (pre-tax) using a 6% discount rate

  • $ 6.85 Billion Net Present Value (post-tax) using a 6% discount rate

  • $ 6.58 Billion Net Present Value (pre-tax) using an 8% discount rate

  • $ 4.67 Billion Net Present Value (post-tax) using an 8% discount rate

  • 22.5% Internal Rate of Return (pre-tax)

  • 19.5% Internal Rate of Return (post-tax)

  • 3.7 year undiscounted payback (pre-tax)

  • 4.1 year undiscounted payback (post-tax)

  • Initial Investment of $3.772 billion (not including sustaining capital)

  • Total cost of production estimated at $135.35/tonne of HBI

  • Resource Estimate of an Indicated Mineral Resource of 1.287 billion tonnes at 28.39% Fe, plus an Inferred Mineral Resource of 108 million tonnes at 31.03% Fe.

  • Life of Mine Production of 4.3 million tonnes of HBI per year for 30 years, with an expected metallization of 94% Fe.

  • Low strip ratio of 0.51 to 1

*** Unless otherwise expressly stated all references to currency, are references to Canadian currency.**

*** The PEA used a currency exchange rate of US$0.85 = Cdn$1.00 applicable at the time of the PEA.**

The PEA is based on the production of 4.3 million tonnes of HBI per year at a grade of 94% total iron (“ Fe ”) at the Rockex Lake St. Joseph Project in northwestern Ontario. The average run of mine feed of 17.3 million tonnes per year used is based on mill recovery of 80% from the Eagle Island deposit operating year-round. The life of mine of 30 years is based on 512 million tonnes of in-pit resources at a grade of 28.9% Fe which uses less than half of Eagle Island’s estimated Indicated Resources of 1.287 billion tonnes at a grade of 28.39% Fe, allowing the opportunity for continuing production for many years following the 30-year life of mine used for the PEA. The PEA contemplates a process whereby iron ore concentrate will be transferred by pipeline to a pelletizing plant and HBI plant to be built near Sioux Lookout, Ontario. The plant is expected to produce 4.3 million tonnes per year of HBI. Initial capital expenditures are estimated to be $3.772 billion. The PEA uses an average operating cost of $135.35 per tonne of HBI, and assumes an HBI sales price of US$ 350 per tonne FOB Sioux Lookout. Calculated Net Present Value for the Lake St. Joseph Project is $9.42 billion (pre-tax) using a 6% discount rate and $6.58 billion (pre-tax) using an 8% discount rate. The PEA is based on the 2013 independent mineral resource estimate completed by Met-Chem Canada Inc. (“ Met-Chem ”) which defined 1.287 billion tonnes of Indicated Resources at a grade of 28.39% Fe and 108 million tonnes of Inferred Resources at a grade of 31.03% Fe.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

The updated PEA (2015) is based on the same basic mining method and processing flow sheet utilized in the original 2013 PEA; however, the updated PEA evaluates the economic impact of further processing the mine’s production to HBI as an end product in place of pellet feed concentrate. As illustrated in the table below, the updated PEA (2015) further improves the project economics relative to the previous study.

Category PEA 2013(Fines) PEA 2015(HBI)
Production Rate
Pellet Feed Concentrate(Mtpa) 6.0 6.0
Pellet(Mtpa) - 6.1
HBI(Mtpa) - 4.3
Projected Mine Life(yrs) 30 30
Commodity Price Assumption
Pellet feed,FOB Sioux-Lookout($US/t) 105 -
HBI,FOB Sioux-Lookout($US/t) - 350
LOM Revenue(M$) 19,812 52,683
Initial Capital(M$) 1,559 3,772
Working Capital(M$) 48.1 129.6
Sustaining Capital(M$) 543 538
Closure Cost(M$) 65.7 65.7
Average Operating Costs $/t ofpellet feed $/t of pellet
feed
$/t of HBI
Miningcost 12.76 12.76 17.88
Concentrator & tailings cost 18.05 18.05 25.29
Concentrate dewateringcost 1.83 - -
Railroad 0.20 0.20 0.28
General & administration cost 3.79 4.52 6.33
Pelletizingcost - - 19.13
Briquettingcost - - 66.44
Total Operating Cost($/tonne) $36.63 - $135.35
Manpower Requirements
Mine 180 180
Concentrating& Tailings 114 114
Concentrate dewatering 36 -
General & administration 49 89
Rail 6 6
Pelletizing - 127
Briquetting - 200
Total Manpower 385 716
Pre-Tax Economic Indicators
NPV@8% 2,217 6,577.5
IRR(%) 20.7 22.5
Payback(yrs) 4.2 3.7
Post-Tax Economic Indicators
NPV@8% 1,553.7 4,672.6
IRR(%) 18.1 19.5
Payback(yrs) 4.4 4.1

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

The updated PEA (2015) is based on the transformation of iron ore concentrate into HBI as an end product to supply the North American electric arc furnace industry and grey foundry industry. HBI is considered to be a cleaner, higher quality, finished iron product for the steel industry. HBI is an ideal, high quality alternative to scrap steel, which is a vital component in the steel manufacturing process. The HBI process requires access to an abundant and low cost source of natural gas. Rockex’ proximity to the TransCanada Natural Gas Pipeline and year-round transportation infrastructure positions the company well for the manufacturing of HBI to supply the North American market in the United States immediately south of the Great Lakes and in Canada.

The PEA operating costs were estimated based on economic assumptions and estimates of consumable prices from suppliers. The Table below outlines the estimated operating costs for a typical operating year as:

Operating Costs $/tonne HBI
Mining 17.88
Concentrating and tailings 25.29
General and administration 6.33
Rails 0.28
Pelletizing 19.13
Briquetting 66.44
Total $135.35

The release of this economic report is a major milestone for Rockex and marks the culmination of many years of work by the Rockex team. This PEA presents Lake St. Joseph’s strong economic potential and confirms management’s belief in the quality of the deposit and overall project. Furthermore, this PEA is a critical valuation and marketing document that will give Rockex excellent positioning for hosting the first HBI plant in Canada, which should attract negotiations with a strategic partner.

NI 43-101 Mineral Resources

An updated independent mineral resource estimate by Met-Chem in 2013 defined 1.287 billion tonnes of Indicated Resources at a grade of 28.39% Fe, and 108 million tonnes of Inferred Resources at a grade of 31.03% Fe. The resources estimate includes the Main Zone and South-east Zone deposits on Eagle Island only and forms the basis for both the 2013 PEA and the 2015 PEA. The updated resource is summarized in the Table below.

The updated resource is summarized in the Table below.

Mineral Resource Category
Indicated
Inferred
Metric Tonnes(Million) Fe(%)
1,287 28.39
108 31.03

Regional Economic Impact Study

The Corporation initiated the preparation of an economic impact study on its Eagle Island Deposit. Rockex’ plans on which the study is to be based contemplate an iron mine producing 20 million tonnes of iron ore per year and a processing plant which produces approximately 5 to 6 million tonnes of iron concentrate or pellets with a grade of 65–67% iron or approximately 4 million tonnes of Hot Briquetted Iron with a grade of

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

about 94% iron. The economic impact measurements would include the annual overall economic impact on the region, the annual number of direct and indirect jobs created in the region and the overall tax impact for governments including property, income and sales taxes. With the reduced available financing opportunities in Canada during the past several years for mineral exploration companies like the Corporation, the Corporation's efforts in pursuing such a regional economic impact study have diminished over time with a view to deferring such efforts until circumstances change.

Community Relations

The Corporation continues to maintain and advance its community relations efforts based on effective communication and support for local initiatives. The Corporation’s representatives have had meetings with various local communities around the Lake St. Joseph area, including meetings with Chiefs, Council members, consultants and other advisors of various First Nations, and the Corporation has committed the resources to further develop these positive working relationships.

Airborne Geophysical Studies

Rockex completed airborne geophysical surveys over some of its Lake St. Joseph projects to better delineate the magnetic signature of particular mineralized zones in order to assist the Corporation in defining the extensions and other characteristics of the deposits. The results of such geophysical surveys will help the Corporation to prioritize and design future drilling programs at its Eagle Island Deposit and other projects at Lake St. Joseph.

Metallurgical Studies

The Corporation recovered some mineralized material from the Eagle Island Deposit and the Fish Island Deposit. Samples were sent to a qualified independent laboratory in order to conduct some metallurgical tests on the material using current laboratory techniques and methods to confirm and, if possible, improve upon the historical reports completed for prior owners of the Western Lake St. Joseph property. Historical tests on samples from the Eagle Island Deposit were reported to have been successful in producing concentrates with 65-67% iron with overall iron recoveries to concentrate in the range of 80%. The historical test work was completed prior to the implementation of NI 43-101 and, accordingly, cannot be relied upon. However, recent test results conducted on samples that were sent in 2012 and 2013 for laboratory analysis indicate and confirm that the results are representative of the historical tests on samples from the Eagle Island Deposit performed by the prior owners.

On June 10, 2013, Rockex, announced that positive metallurgical test results were obtained from representative samples from the Eagle Island Deposit. The test work, which was overseen by Met-Chem and undertaken by SGS Mineral Services (“SGS”) from Lakefield, Ontario, yielded favourable iron recoveries of up to 80% and Fe concentrate grades of up to 65%. These results confirm the successful pilot plant study conducted by Algoma Steel Company Ltd. in 1974. The metallurgical testing phase has been the longest phase within the Corporation’s preliminary economic assessment.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

SGS performed a full analysis on the concentration specifications. The results are shown in the table below. Management is confident that these results show that the Corporation’s proposed concentrate to be produced from the Eagle Island deposit will be relatively clean with no significant issues pertaining to environmental concerns, as well as meeting end-user furnace specifications.

==> picture [166 x 235] intentionally omitted <==

Environmental Studies

Rockex initiated environmental studies in the area in and around its Western Lake St. Joseph Property and anticipates further work on environmental studies as funds permit.

6. Exploration and Evaluation Interests

Rockex has a 100% direct interest in the Western Lake St. Joseph Iron Project, consisting of 216 contiguous mining cell claims covering a nominal area of approximately 4,428 hectares located approximately 100 kilometres northeast of Sioux Lookout and 80 kilometres south-southwest of Pickle Lake.

In February 2011, Rockex received a technical report providing a Mineral Resources Estimate for its Eagle Island Deposit in its 100%-owned Western Lake St. Joseph Iron Ore Project. That report has been superseded by the updated resource estimate included within the PEA which was filed on Sedar on October 11, 2013 and described above.

In addition, Rockex holds a 100% interest in three other iron projects in relative close proximity to its Western Lake St. Joseph Project: (i) East Soules Bay, a property consisting of 16 contiguous mining cell claims (328 hectares). East Soules Bay property is along the eastern end of Lake St. Joseph, approximately 40 kilometres east of Rockex’ Western Lake St. Joseph Iron Project, and (ii) the Root Lake Project, a property consisting of 80 contiguous cell claims (1,640 hectares), approximately 100 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout near the west end of Lake St. Joseph.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

On September 14, 2012, the Corporation acquired 112 contiguous mining cell claims (2,296 ha) 170 km northeast of Red Lake in the Buckett Lake and Hewitt Lake Townships, known as the North Spirit Lake property. These claims were acquired by staking. In February of 2019, the property was put on hold for an extension of time then on an exclusion of time under special circumstances since February 22, 2020, and 47 mining cell claims remain for 964 hectares over the main portion of the iron formation. The exclusion of time is now resolved and the cell claims were due on February 22, 2022 but due to special circumstances, they have been put on a new exclusion of time until the situation is resolved. The property is underlain by Archean ultramafic komatite flows and peridotite subvolcanic intrusive rocks intercalated with oxide facies iron formation. Historical work estimates the oxide facies iron formation may contain 1.3 million long tons per vertical foot (based on 1500 m diamond core analyses, 33.94% Fe to a depth of 400ft). In 2010, HTX Minerals (previous claim holders), completed mapping and sampling of the Iron formation including the collection of large test samples for grinding, mineralogy and metallurgical test work. The average total wt% Fe for the HTX data is 34.16 % (OGS, 2007). (This historical estimate pre-dated NI 43-101 and, accordingly, is not compliant with the requirements of NI 43-101. No qualified person has done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or reserves. As a result, the historical estimate cannot be relied upon. Rockex is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. )

Exploration and evaluation and advanced royalty expenditures are as follows:

For the year ended December 31, 2022
(Dollar amounts shown are approximate)
For the year ended December 31, 2022
(Dollar amounts shown are approximate)
Name of
Property or
Project
Assay Costs Drilling and
Contractors
Geological Services Royalties Total of
Material
Components
Total Expenditures
Western
Lake St.
Joseph Iron
Project
- - - 487,179 - 487,179
East Soules
Bay Property
- - - - - -
Root Lake
Property
- - 164,008 - - 164,008
North Spirit
Lake
Property
- - - - - -
Total - - 164,008 487,179 - 651,187

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the year ended December 31, 2021
(Dollar amounts shown are approximate)
For the year ended December 31, 2021
(Dollar amounts shown are approximate)
Name of
Property or
Project
Assay Costs Drilling and
Contractors
Geological Services Royalties Total of
Material
Components
Total Expenditures
Western
Lake St.
Joseph Iron
Project
- - - 442,890 - 442,890
East Soules
Bay Property
- - - - - -
Root Lake
Property
- - - - - -
North Spirit
Lake
Property
- - - - - -
Total - - - 442,890 - 442,890

7. Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

The Corporation change the accounting policy for exploration and evaluation expenditures from capitalizing expenditures to expensing them. The 2022 financial results related to the prior fiscal year have been restated due to the change in accounting policy listed in note 3(j) in the financial statements. The change was not significant due to the nominal amount of $1 that was previously recognized as an exploration and evaluation asset in 2020 and 2021.

The following table contains some selected financial information taken from the Corporation’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

For the year ended December
31,
2022
December
31,
2021
Loss and total comprehensive loss $577,628 $796,916
Basic and diluted loss per share $0.00 $0.01

Year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

The Corporation incurred a net loss of $577,628 or $0.00 per share for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared with a net loss of $796,916 or $0.01 per share for the same period in December 31, 2021. Other income of $175,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $nil in the same period in December 31, 2022 was related to an Exclusive Option Agreement for the Root Lake property.

The Corporation had non-cash share-based compensation of $nil for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $212,065 for the same period in 2021. Stock-based compensation expenses are booked based on the valuation of options using the Black-Scholes model. The expense varies based on the number of options issued and the underlying assumptions used in the model. During the year ended December 31, 2022, no stock options were granted compared to 8,500,000 stock options granted during year ended December 31, 2021.

Advanced royalty expense increased by $44,289 per the agreement to $487,179 for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $442,890 for the same period in 2021.

-14 -

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Compliance and regulatory filings expense remained relatively constant at $14,692 for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $14,900 for the same period in 2021.

Management and consulting fees remained constant at $24,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021 at $24,000.

General and administrative costs remained relatively constant at $47,315 for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $49,348 for the same period in 2021.

Professional fees decreased by $10,711 to $42,174 for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $52,885 for the same period in 2021. The change fluctuates from year to year based on work requirements and timing of expenditures.

8. Summary of Financial Position as at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021

2022 financial results related to the prior fiscal year have been restated due to the change in accounting policy listed in note 3(j) in the financial statements.

The following table contains some selected financial information taken from the Corporation’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the audited financial statements as at December 31, 2021.

As at December 31,
2022
December 31,
2021
Total Assets $92,667 $38,772
Total Liabilities $3,187,648 $2,556,125
Total Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) ($3,094,981) $(2,517,353)

As at December 31, 2022, the Corporation had a net working capital deficit of $3,097,625 compared to a net working capital deficit of $2,520,657 as at December 31, 2021. The increase in the working capital deficit was due to ongoing operations being funded in part by obtaining the indulgence of some service providers to delay or defer paying their accounts. Cash was used for ongoing operations without major additions to cash from financing activities. There was also an increase in accounts payable due to various service providers. Furthermore, there was $175,000 in cash received related to an Exclusive Option Agreement for the Root Lake property.

The Corporation has no revenue generating projects at this time. As at December 31, 2022, the Corporation had equity (deficit) of ($3,094,981) compared to ($2,517,353) as at December 31, 2021.

The common share equity balance remained constant at $22,375,038 as at December 31, 2022 compared to $22,375,038 as at December 31, 2021 as no additional common shares were issued during the year.

The share-based payments reserve remained constant at $5,519,637 as at December 31, 2022 compared to $5,519,637 as at December 31, 2021 as no options were granted, expired or were exercised during the year.

The Corporation’s continued development is contingent upon its ability to raise sufficient financing in the long term to develop the asset, secure a strategic partner to finance the construction or sell the claims to an investor altogether. During 2021, the Corporation completed a series of transactions, a summary of which is listed below, with a view to improving the Corporation’s balance sheet and capital resources to fund its exploration activities and other operating expenses, all with a view to maintaining the Corporation’s claims, to access the capital markets and its ability to raise financing in the long term:

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

  1. On June 2, 2021, the Corporation completed a private placement. The Private Placement was comprised of the issuance of (i) 9,449,289 common shares of the Corporation (each a “Common Share”) at $0.045 per Common Share for an aggregate gross amount of $425,218; and (ii) 1,370,000 flow-through shares (each, a “Flow-Through Share”) at a price of $0.05 per FlowThrough Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $68,500. As a result of these financing activities in June 2021, the Corporation received cash inflow of $53,625 and settled $440,093 of related party debt by the issuance of shares.

9. Summary of Cash Flow for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

2022 financial results related to the prior fiscal year have been restated due to the change in accounting policy listed in note 3(j) in the financial statements.

The following table contains some selected financial information taken from the Corporation’s audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:

For the years ended December
31, 2022
December
31, 2021
Cash inflows (outflows) from: $ $
Operating activities 45,111 (31,776)
Investing activities - -
Financing activities - 53,625
Total increase in cash and cash
equivalents during the period
45,111 21,850

For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

Operating Activities

Cash flow used by operating activities decreased to a cash inflow of $45,111 during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to a cash outflow of $31,776 during the same period in 2021. Cash used in operating activities is due to the timing of the collection of receivables and the payment of accounts payable. The cash inflow is mainly due to $175,000 in cash received related to an Exclusive Option Agreement for the Root Lake property.

Financing Activities

Cash flow provided by financing activities related to private placements and warrants exercised decreased by $53,625 during the year ended December 31, 2021 to $nil compared to $53,625 during the same period in 2021 due to the timing of financing activities.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

10. Summary of Quarterly Results

Financial results related to the prior year quarters have been restated due to the change in accounting policy listed in note 3(j) in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Following are the highlights of financial data of the Corporation for the most recently completed eight quarters which have been derived from the Corporation’s financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS:

Q4
2022
Q3
2022
Re-stated
Q2
2022
Re-stated
Q1
2022
Re-stated
Q4
2021
Re-stated
Q3
2021
Re-stated
Q2
2021
Re-stated
Q1
2021
Re-stated
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Loss and total
comprehensive
loss
10,276 148,129 264,221 155,002 65,874 142,867 452,242 135,883
Basic and
diluted loss per
share
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total Assets 92,667 60,572 40,469 30,002 38,772 68,955 80,081 8,728
Total Liabilities 3,187,648 3,145,277 2,977,045 2,702,357 2,556,125 2,435,615 2,303,924 2,543,381
Total
Shareholders’
Equity (deficit)
(3,094,981) (3,084,705) (2,936,576) (2,672,355) (2,517,353) (2,366,660) (2,223,843) (2,534,653)

11. Explanation of Material Variations by Quarter for the Last Eight Quarters

Other than variations in exploration and development operations, the Corporation’s activities have been relatively consistent and, as a result, there were no major fluctuations. The advance royalty continues to be accrued.

On June 2, 2021, a private placement was completed resulting in the issuance of 10,819,289 common shares with a value of $493,718. As a result of the private placement, $440,093 related party debt was settled.

During the second quarter of 2022, $132,772 of exploration and evaluation expenditures were incurred on the Root Lake property.

During the third and fourth quarters of 2022, $202,400 in cash was received and recognized in other income related to a exclusive Option Agreements for the Root Lake Lithium property.

2022 Fourth Quarter Results

On December 2, 2022, the Corporation announce that it has signed an exclusivity agreement with Fifty St George Pty Ltd. (“FSG”) granting FSG the exclusive option to acquire a 90% interest in the Root Lake mineral exploration claims in northwestern Ontario.

The Corporation has received an exclusivity fee of $125,000 for granting FSG the exclusive right for a period of six months to complete its technical and legal due diligence investigations and to finalize the binding terms and conditions of an option agreement. The terms of the Option Agreement are contemplated to include Rockex receiving (i) a cash payment of $550,000, (ii) shares of FSG having an aggregate value

-17 -

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of $575,000 and (iii) a 2% net smelter royalty. Rockex will retain a 10% carried interest in the Root Lake property until a final investment decision

12. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Corporation has not participated in any off-balance sheet arrangements.

13. Transactions with Related Parties

Certain corporate entities that are related to the Corporation’s officers and directors provide consulting and other services to the Corporation. Transactions were conducted in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchange amounts.

The following is a summary of the Corporation’s related party transactions during the year ended December 31, 2022:

a) Rental Payments

Rental charges of $32,952 during the year ended December 31, 2022 (December 31, 2021 - $32,952) were payable to a company which is controlled by a director of the Corporation. At December 31, 2022, $56,001 (December 31, 2021 - $16,476) owing to this company was included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

b) Key Management Compensation

Key management personnel compensation comprised:

Management and consulting fees
Share-based payments (stock options)
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
$ $ 24,000
24,000
-
212,065
24,000
236,065

At December 31, 2022, $20,000 (December 31, 2021: $8,000) owing to key management was included in accounts payable.

c) Exploration Expenditures

Exploration expenditures of $164,008 for the year ended December 31, 2022 (year ended December 31, 2021: $nil) incurred in connection with the Corporation’s expenditure activities were paid to a company controlled by a director of the Corporation. At December 31, 2022, $158,324 (December 31, 2021: $7,312) was included in accounts payable.

d) Advance Royalty

Advance royalty charges of $487,179 for the year ended December 31, 2022 (year ended December 31, 2021: $442,890) incurred in connection with the Corporation’s properties were payable to one director of the Corporation. At December 31, 2022, $2,608,972 (December 31, 2021: $2,121,793) was included in accrued liabilities.

Temporary Suspension and Subsequent Reinstatement of Advance Royalties

On July 8, 2014, the Corporation signed an agreement with the holder of royalties on the Corporation’s Western Lake St. Joseph Project to suspend payment of advance royalties from October 1, 2013 until the earliest of (i) completion of a pre-feasibility study, (ii) a change of control, amalgamation, plan of arrangement, take-over bid or other fundamental change involving the Corporation, (iii) completion of a

-18 -

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

transaction with a strategic investor, or (iv) September 30, 2015. Advance royalty payments were further waived to December 31, 2015. Effective January 1, 2016 the advance royalty payments have been reinstated. As a result of this agreement, royalties were accrued and have been classified as a current liability due to no formal agreement in place specifying collection terms.

e) Loans from Related Parties

The Corporation has received small cash loans from time to time from directors or companies controlled by them. The loans aggregated $nil as at December 31, 2022 and $nil as at December 31, 2021, are noninterest-bearing and are repayable on demand.

14. Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments

The financial statements have been prepared on the basis of a retrospective application of a voluntary change in accounting policy relating to exploration and evaluation assets.

The new exploration and evaluation expenditure policy is to charge exploration and evaluation expenditures within an area of interest as expense until management concludes that the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource are demonstrable and that future economic benefits are probable. In making this determination, the extent of exploration, as well as the degree of confidence in the mineral resource is considered. Once a project has been established as commercially viable and technically feasible, further expenditures are capitalized and classified as development properties.

The previous accounting policy was to capitalize all costs related to the acquisition of, exploration for and evaluation of mineral claims.

The new accounting policy was adopted on January 1, 2022 and has been applied retrospectively. The Corporation believes the change in accounting policy results in the financial statements providing more relevant information and are more comparable to its peer companies and strategic partners.

The Corporation makes estimates and assumptions about the future that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. In the future, actual experience may differ from these estimates and assumptions.

The effect of a change in an accounting estimate is recognized prospectively by including it in comprehensive income in the period of the change, if the change affects that period only, or in the period of the change and future periods, if the change affects both.

Information about critical judgments in applying accounting policies that have the most significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities recognized in the financial statements within the next financial year are discussed below:

i) Exploration and Evaluation Expenditure

The application of the Corporation's accounting policy for exploration and evaluation expenditures requires judgment in determining whether it is likely that future economic benefits will flow to the Corporation, which may be based on assumptions about future events or circumstances. Estimates and assumptions made may change if new information becomes available. If, after an expenditure is capitalized, information becomes available suggesting that the recovery of the expenditure is unlikely, the amount capitalized is written off in the profit or loss in the period the new information becomes available.

-19 -

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

ii) Title to Mineral Property lnterests

Although the Corporation has taken steps to verify title to mineral properties in which it has an interest, these procedures do not guarantee the Corporation's title. Such properties may be subject to prior agreements or transfers and title may be affected by undetected defects and claims of third parties and aboriginal peoples.

iii) Share-based Payment Transactions

The Corporation measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted. Estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determining the most appropriate valuation model, which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant. This estimate also requires determining the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model including the expected life of the share option, volatility and dividend yield and making assumptions about them. The assumptions and models used for estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions are disclosed in Note 10 of the audited financial statements.

New standards, Interpretations and Amendments Not Yet Effective

At the date of the authorization of these financial statements, several new, but not effective Standards and amendments to existing Standards, and Interpretations have been published by the IASB. None of these Standards or amendments to existing Standards have been adopted early by the Corporation. Management anticipates that all relevant pronouncements will be adopted for the first period beginning on or after the effective date of the pronouncement. New standards, amendments and interpretations not adopted in the current year have not been disclosed as they are not expected to have a material impact to the Corporation’s financial statements.

15. Financial Instruments

The Corporation’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, other receivables and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Unless otherwise noted, it is management’s opinion that the Corporation is not exposed to significant interest or credit risks arising from the financial instruments. The fair market value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying values, unless otherwise noted. Currently, the Corporation’s operations are all conducted in Canada, and therefore management believes that there is low risk of political or social disruptions.

In conducting business, the principal risks and uncertainties faced by the Corporation center around resource properties and the Corporation’s efforts to explore and develop those properties. There is no assurance of the Corporation’s ability to maintain and develop such properties. The Corporation relies on equity financing for its working capital requirements and to fund its future exploration programs. It does not currently have sufficient funds to explore or develop the properties held by Rockex. There is no assurance that the Corporation will be able to raise such funds, through equity or debt financing or through entering into joint venture arrangements with other parties.

16. Share Data

The Corporation is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common voting shares without par value, an unlimited number of first preferred shares, an unlimited number of second preferred shares and an unlimited number of special shares issuable in series.

-20 -

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

The following is a summary of share data:

Common Shares Warrants Vested Stock Options
April 11, 2023 133,687,341 2,136,131 8,700,000
December 31, 2022 133,687,341 2,136,131 8,700,000
December 31, 2021 133,687,341 8,136,131 8,700,000

17. Risk and Uncertainties

Nature of Mineral Exploration and Mining

At the present time, the Corporation does not hold any interest in a mining property in production. The Corporation's viability and potential for success lie in its ability to develop, exploit and generate revenue out of mineral deposits. The exploration and development of mineral deposits involve significant financial risks over a significant period of time which evens a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not eliminate. While discovery of a mine may result in substantial rewards, few properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Major expenses may be required to establish reserves by drilling and to construct mining and processing facilities at a site. It is impossible to ensure that the current or proposed exploration programs on exploration properties in which the Corporation has an interest will result in a profitable commercial mining operation.

The operations of the Corporation are subject to all of the hazards and risks normally incidental to the exploration and development of mineral properties, any of which could result in damage to life or property, environmental damage and possible legal liability for any or all damage. The activities of the Corporation may be subject to prolonged disruptions due to weather conditions depending on the location of operations in which the Corporation has interests. Hazards, such as unusual or unexpected formation, rock bursts, pressures, cave-ins, flooding or other conditions may be encountered in the drilling and removal of material. While the Corporation may obtain insurance against certain risks in such amounts as it considers adequate, the nature of these risks are such that liabilities could exceed policy limits or could be excluded from coverage. There are also risks against which the Corporation cannot insure or against which it may elect not to insure. The potential costs which could be associated with any liabilities not covered by insurance or in excess of insurance coverage or compliance with applicable laws and regulations may cause substantial delays and require significant capital outlays, adversely affecting the future earnings and competitive position of the Corporation and, potentially, its financial position.

Whether a mineral deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, some of which are the particular attributes of the deposit, such as its size and grade, recoverability of metals, costs of recovery processing, proximity to infrastructure, financing costs and governmental regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, infrastructure, licensing and permitting, land use, importing and exporting and environmental protection. The effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in the Corporation not receiving an adequate return on invested capital.

No Significant Revenues

To date, the Corporation has not recorded any revenues, other than interest income, and it has no dividend record. The Corporation has not commenced commercial production on any property. There can be no assurance that significant losses will not occur in the near future or that the Corporation will be profitable in the future. The Corporation's operating expenses and capital expenditures will increase in subsequent years as consultants, personnel and equipment costs associated with advancing exploration, development and commercial production of the Corporation's properties increase. The Corporation expects to continue to incur losses unless and until such time as it enters into commercial production and generates sufficient revenues to fund its continuing operations. The development of the Corporation's properties will require the commitment of substantial resources to conduct time-consuming development. There can be no assurance that the Corporation will generate any revenues or achieve profitability.

-21 -

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Financing Risks

The Corporation has limited financial resources and there is no assurance that additional funding will be available to it for further exploration and development of its projects or to fulfill its obligations under applicable agreements. Although the Corporation has been successful in the past in obtaining financing through the sale of equity securities, there can be no assurance that the Corporation will be able to obtain adequate financing in the future or that the terms of such financing will be favourable. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of the property interests of the Corporation with the possible dilution or loss of such interests.

Current Global Financial Condition

Current global financial conditions have been characterized by increased volatility. In many respects, these continue to be challenging times for mining juniors and the resource markets overall. In addition, the recent Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in major changes in health-care, travel, retail, entertainment, manufacturing and other sectors of the economies around the world, resulting in, among other things, reductions in the lending rates by central banks around the world and significant talk about the increased likelihood of a recession or even a possible depression have added to the mix. This led to substantial stock market reductions and extreme market volatilities and uncertainties, although many of those reductions have recovered. Most recently, the Russian war against the Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions by many nations against Russia have greatly increased uncertainties and market volatilities. On the other hand, these market fluctuations were accompanied by an increase in the prices of iron ore and other metals. The implications of these recent events relating to the broader market and economy are unclear at the time of this MD&A. In the circumstances, the markets have remained volatile and uncertain and these factors impact the ability of the Corporation to obtain equity or debt financing in the future on favourable terms. If such increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue, the Corporation's operations could be adversely impacted, the trading price of its common shares may be adversely affected and its access to capital also adversely affected.

Dilution and Future Sales of Common Shares

The Corporation may issue additional shares in the future, which would dilute a shareholder's holdings in the Corporation. The Corporation's articles permit, among other things, the issuance of an unlimited number of common shares.

Going Concern

The Corporation has a limited history and its ability to continue as a going concern depends upon a number of significant variables. The amounts attributed to the Corporation’s exploration properties in its financial statements represent acquisition and exploration costs and should not be taken to represent realizable value. Further, the Corporation has no proven history of performance, revenues, earnings or success. As such, the Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable resources, the ability of the Corporation to obtain the necessary financing to complete the development of its interests and future profitable production or, alternatively, upon the Corporation's ability to dispose of its interests on a profitable basis.

Dependence on Key Personnel

The Corporation is dependent on a relatively small number of key employees or consultants, the loss of any of whom could have an adverse effect on its operations. The Corporation currently does not have key person insurance on these individuals.

No Assurance of Titles

The acquisition of title to mineral projects is a very detailed and time-consuming process. Although the Corporation has taken precautions to ensure that legal title to its property interests is properly recorded in

-22 -

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

the name of the Corporation where possible, there can be no assurance that such title will ultimately be secured. The holding of mineral rights does not provide full rights to the surface of the lands over those mineral rights – such surface rights may in some areas be held by third parties. Furthermore, there is no assurance that the interest of the Company in any of its properties may not be challenged or impugned by governmental decisions, First Nations, third parties or aboriginal peoples. Some of the Company’s properties may be subject to claims from aboriginal peoples which may affect access, exploration activities and costs as well as title.

Permits and Licences

The operations of the Corporation require licences and permits from various governmental authorities. The Corporation believes that it presently holds all necessary licences and permits required to carry on with exploration activities which it is currently conducting under applicable laws and regulations and the Corporation believes it is presently complying in all material respects with the terms of such licences and permits. However, such licences and permits are subject to change in regulations and in various operating circumstances, including consultation requirements regarding applicable First Nations. There can be no assurance that the Corporation will be able to obtain all necessary licences and permits required to carry out future exploration and then development and mining operations at its projects.

Fluctuating Prices

Factors beyond the control of the Corporation may affect the marketability of any iron ore or any other minerals discovered. Resource prices have fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond the Corporation's control. These factors include market fluctuations, the proximity and capacity of natural resource markets and processing equipment, and government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, licensing and permitting, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in the Corporation not receiving an adequate return on invested capital and a loss of all or part of an investment in securities of the Corporation may result.

Estimates of Mineral Resources

Although indicated and inferred minerals resource estimates included in the Corporation’s filings on SEDAR have been carefully prepared by independent mining experts, these amounts are estimates only and no assurance can be given that any particular level of recovery of iron ore or other minerals will in fact be realized or that an identified mineral deposit will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) ore body which can be economically exploited. Additionally, no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of recovery will be realized. Estimates of mineral resources can also be affected by such factors as environmental permitting regulations and requirements, weather, environmental factors, unforeseen technical difficulties, unusual or unexpected geological formations and work interruptions. In addition, the grade of ore ultimately mined may differ dramatically from that indicated by results of drilling, sampling and other similar examinations. Short-term factors relating to mineral resources, such as the need for orderly development of ore bodies or the processing of new or different grades, may also have an adverse effect on mining operations and on the results of operations. Material changes in mineral resources, grades, stripping ratios or recovery rates may affect the economic viability of projects. Mineral resources are reported as general indicators of mine life. Mineral resources should not be interpreted as assurances of potential mine life or of the profitability of current or future operations. There is a degree of uncertainty attributable to the calculation and estimation of mineral resources and corresponding grades. Until ore is actually mined and processed, mineral resources and grades must be considered as estimates only. In addition, the quantity of mineral resources may vary depending on mineral prices. Any material change in resources or mineral resources, or grades or stripping ratios will affect the economic viability of the Corporation’s projects.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

The Corporation’s Activities are Subject to Extensive Governmental Regulation

Exploration, development and mining of minerals are subject to extensive federal, provincial and local laws and regulations governing acquisition of the mining interests, prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, water use, land use, land claims of aboriginal peoples and local people, environmental protection and remediation, endangered and protected species, mine safety and other matters.

Environmental Regulations

The operations of the Corporation are subject to environmental regulations promulgated by government agencies from time to time. Environmental legislation provides for restrictions and prohibitions on spills, releases or emissions of various substances produced in association with certain mining industry operations, such as seepage from tailings disposal areas, which would result in environmental pollution. A breach of such legislation may result in the imposition of fines and penalties. In addition, certain types of operations require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments. Environmental legislation is evolving toward stricter standards, and enforcement, fines and penalties for non-compliance are becoming more stringent. Environmental assessments of proposed projects carry a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their directors, officers and employees. The cost of compliance with changes in governmental regulations has a potential to reduce the profitability of operations. The Corporation's operations are subject to environmental regulation primarily by the Ministry of the Environment (Ontario). In addition, the Department of Fisheries & Oceans (Canada) and the Department of the Environment (Canada) have enforcement roles in the event of environmental incidents.

Conflicts of Interest

The directors and officers of the Corporation may serve as directors or officers of other public resource companies or have significant shareholdings in other public resource companies. Situations may arise in connection with potential acquisitions and investments where the other interests of these directors and officers may conflict with the interests of the Corporation. As well, certain directors or officers may have a direct or indirect interest in a transaction being contemplated by the Corporation. In the event that such a conflict of interest arises at a meeting of the directors of the Corporation, a director is required by the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) to disclose the conflict of interest, to withdraw from meetings where such matters are discussed and to abstain from voting on such matters. In some instances, shareholder approval or ratification may be mandated by securities regulatory requirements.

Joint Ventures and Option Agreements

From time to time several companies may participate in the acquisition, exploration and development of natural resource properties through options, joint ventures or other structures, thereby allowing for their participation in larger programs, permitting involvement in a greater number of programs and reducing financial exposure in respect of any one program. It may also be the case that a particular company will assign all or a portion of its interest in a particular program to another of these companies due to the financial position of the company making the assignment. In determining whether or not the Corporation will participate in a particular program and the interest therein to be acquired by it, the directors will primarily consider the degree of risk to which the Corporation may be exposed and its financial position at that time. In some of those arrangements, failure of a participant to fund its proportionate share of the ongoing costs could result in its proportionate share being diluted and possibly eliminated. The Corporation may enter into option agreements and joint ventures as a means of gaining property interests or raising funds. Any failure of any option or joint venture partner to meet its obligations to the Corporation or other third parties, or any disputes with respect to third parties’ respective rights and obligations could have a material adverse effect on such agreement and the applicable properties.

In addition, the Corporation may be unable to exert direct influence over strategic decisions made in respect of properties that are subject to the terms of these agreements.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Competition

The mineral exploration and mining business is competitive in all of its phases. The Corporation competes with numerous other companies and individuals, including competitors with greater financial, technical and other resources than the Corporation, in the search for and acquisition of attractive mineral properties. The ability of the Corporation to acquire properties in the future will depend not only on its ability to develop its present properties, but also on its ability to select and acquire suitable properties or prospects for mineral exploration. There is no assurance that the Corporation will continue to be able to compete successfully with its competitors in acquiring such properties or prospects.

Infrastructure

Some of the Corporation’s properties are located at some distance from existing infrastructure. Active mineral exploitation at any such properties would require building, adding or extending infrastructure such as roads, railroads, electrical and gas transmission lines, which could add to time and cost required for mine development. Similarly, some of the Corporation’s mineral deposits are located near or under lakes, which could require the construction of dams, dykes and other systems or the construction of underground mining facilities, which could add to time and cost required for mine development.

18. Corporate Governance

The Corporation’s Board of Directors follows accepted corporate governance guidelines for public companies to ensure transparency and accountability to shareholders.

The Audit Committee of the Corporation fulfils its role of ensuring the integrity of the reported information through its review of the interim and audited annual financial statements prior to their submission to the Board of Directors for approval. The Audit Committee, comprised of three independent directors, meets with management and the external auditors of the Corporation on a quarterly basis to review the financial statements, including the MD&A, and to discuss other financial, operating and internal control matters.

- 19. Caution regarding Forward looking Statements

Certain information regarding the Corporation within this MD&A may include “ forward-looking statements ” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this MD&A that address activities, events or developments that the Corporation expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as future business strategy, goals, expansion and growth of the Corporation’s business, operations, plans and other such matters are forward-looking statements. When used in this MD&A, the words “ estimate ”, “ plan ”, “ anticipate ”, “ expect ”, “ intend ”, “ believe ”, “ will ”, “ may ”, “ would ”, “ should ”, “ could ” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results in the future to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially (see, in particular, the “ Risks and Uncertainties ” section above), there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the section above entitled “ Recent Events and Outlook ” contains some forward-looking statements with respect to opportunities for the Corporation to add value to its assets. Except as required by continuous disclosure obligations (specifically section 5.8(2) of National Instrument 51-102 “ Continuous Disclosure Obligations ”), the Corporation does not intend, nor does it undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent information, events, results, circumstances or otherwise.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

20. Approval

The MD&A was reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the Corporation and is effective as of April 11, 2023.

21. Additional Information

Additional information relating to the Corporation is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .

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